Listen More! A Collection of Hidden Gems in Anime Songs

Get WildTM NETWORK

TM NETWORK / Get Wild（TM NETWORK FINAL MISSION -START investigation-）

A hard-boiled classic! It’s one of the signature songs by TM NETWORK, the legendary music group that led the Japanese music scene from the late ’80s to the ’90s, released in 1987 as their 10th single.

It served as the ending theme for the anime City Hunter.

Even today it feels “new,” with an impossibly stylish finish.

Just by listening, you can almost see Ryo Saeba’s silhouette.

And although many years have passed since its release, it remains a popular choice for karaoke.

Scarlet BalletMay’n

May’n「Scarlet Ballet」Music Video

This is a song used as the opening theme for the anime Aria the Scarlet Ammo.

It’s a work by May’n—the singer who also provided Sheryl Nome’s vocals in Macross Frontier—and it was released in 2011 as her fourth single.

It’s a very energetic electronic tune.

The way the grand scale of the sound pairs with its sense of speed is incredible, and May’n’s cool vocals really shine.

It’s a fiery anisong that’s perfect for boosting your motivation.

scabIsao Chiwata

Zatch Bell!! OP Scab AI 4K Chinese-Japanese Subtitles (MAD/AMV) (Memory Series #112)

It’s the opening theme of the anime “Zatch Bell!”.

The story, in which humans team up with demon children to battle, was a hot topic at the time.

The song evokes the image of protagonists who, despite their doubts and anxieties, continue to grow.

HemisophiaMaaya Sakamoto

RahXephon / Hemisphere (Orchestral Mix)

A gem of a song that depicts self-exploration and growth.

Released in 2002, Maaya Sakamoto’s ninth single “Hemisphere” gained attention as the opening theme for RahXephon.

Set to a beautiful melody, it weaves profound themes such as what one can do within a limited reality, embarking on a journey into the unknown, and the importance of self-realization.

Its lyrics, which question the meaning of life, are sure to resonate with many listeners.

Give me an unbalanced kissHiro Takahashi

Unbalanced Kiss (with lyrics) FULL - Yu Yu Hakusho ED3

It’s a cool, mature piece with a distinctly ’90s sophistication.

The song was used as the third ending theme for the anime Yu Yu Hakusho and is performed by singer-songwriter Hiro Takahashi.

Released in 1993 as his second single, it’s appealing for its romantic lyrics and stylish sound.

It’s the kind of track you’ll want to savor alone at night.

It also seems to reflect Yu Yu Hakusho’s somewhat dark atmosphere, despite being based on a shonen manga.

Lovely youRAZZ MA TAZZ

Azuki-chan OP - Wonderful You (Full)

RAZZ MA TAZZ’s “Suteki na Kimi” is a pop love number that seeks to bring out a girl’s charm.

Released as a single on September 21, 1995 by For Life Records, it was used as the opening theme for the NHK TV anime Azuki-chan.

Its pop lyrics celebrating the joy of falling in love and its catchy, memorable melody leave a strong impression.

For many listeners, it likely evokes a warm sense of nostalgia.

glowing madder-redAimer

Aimer “Akane Sasu” MUSIC VIDEO (FULL ver.)

This is a ballad that was chosen as the ending theme for the anime Natsume’s Book of Friends Go.

It’s sung by Aimer, the singer also known for I beg you.

Released in 2016 as her 12th single, the lyrics reflect a mysterious sense of loneliness that feels like autumn, making it easy to empathize with.

The grand, expansive sound is irresistible, too.

It’s a standout anime song that will have you in tears before you know it—perfect for when you want to spend some quiet time alone.